Alleged N110b fraud: FCT High Court admits Yahaya Bello to N500m bail

The Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday granted bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

Justice Maryann Anenih had earlier, on December 10, declined Bello’s bail application, stating it was prematurely filed. She ruled that the application, submitted while the 1st defendant was neither in custody nor before the court, was incompetent.

The governor’s legal team subsequently filed a fresh bail application, requesting a hearing date.

Bello is facing trial for alleged money laundering to the tune of N110 billion alongside two co-defendants. He has pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

At the hearing on Thursday, the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court of a further affidavit filed in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit. However, Daudu applied to withdraw it, stating, “We do not want to make the matter contentious.”

The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, raised no objection, and the court struck out the affidavit.

Daudu also noted ongoing discussions with the prosecution team aimed at expediting the trial and urged the court to grant the bail application.

He requested a review of the bail conditions, including broadening the scope of acceptable properties for sureties beyond Maitama to other parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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Enitan, SAN, confirmed the cooperation between the legal teams, stressing adherence to the Rules of Professional Conduct and leaving the decision to the court’s discretion.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih acknowledged that the alleged offense was bailable and granted bail to the former governor. The conditions include N500 million bond with three sureties in like sum; sureties must own landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro; and the defendant must deposit his international passport and travel documents with the court.

Bello will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met. This case is one of several legal battles for the former governor.

On December 10, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court also granted him bail under similar terms.